GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA -- In January 2009, my 2003 VW Beetle had transmission problems and required repairs. I contacted several companies in the US that had wrecked or rebuilt transmission that would work in my car. The quotes were anywhere from $2900 to $3200 plus labor to install (this also ranged from $300-500). I also contacted AAMCO Transmission in Gainesville, FL for a quote on rebuilding the original transmission.

They told me over the phone that the quote would be $2700 for a rebuilt transmission for my car. He did say that this was for “soft parts” only. I told him this could not turn into a $5000 repair job. He stated that the most it would cost over the quote would be $489 and that was only if they had to replace the torque converter. He promised me it would not go any higher. All of this conversation was injected with honey, sweetheart, we would never do that to you…

After AAMCO started the work on my car, I didn't hear back from them for over 5 days. I called on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2009 and asked how things were going with my car. They said, “Oh, bad news.” Now the quote for the repairs was for over $4700. I told them I could not pay that. He told me it was too late-the work had already been done and there was no going back. I asked what options I had at that time and he said “None”. AAMCO stated that I had authorized the work on my car based on the fact that I gave my father's first name **. My father's name was **.

I received a certified letter on April 9, 2009 from AAMCO with their intentions to auction my car on May 7, 2009 for $4182.30. They were also charging me $50 a day storage since whenever they decided to start charging me even more money so that I would be unable to get my car back. I consulted a lawyer and after hearing my story, he told me to file a civil suit in small claims court and tell the judge exactly what you told me. He said that since they refused to provide me with a written quote and the quote was changed after the work began, that they could not legally take my car.

I called the manager AAMCO and I asked him to please do not auction my car. I told him the case had been reopened by Consumer Services and that I had filed for an emergency hearing at the Clerk of Courts. I had also called Consumer Services that day and he said to call AAMCO and try to work out a deal with them. He said he had no power to stop the auction. When I spoke with AAMCO at AAMCO, he told me he didn't care what Consumer Services said, he would do as he pleased. He also stated that I file all the civil suits I wanted, he would sell the car if he wanted to.

I also asked him could I please have my personal belonging from the car. He said no I could not. Everything in the car belonged to him now. I said are you telling me I can't have my personal belonging and he then backtracked and said that the car was in another location and when and if it were auctioned, I would maybe get my personal effects.

On May 25, 2009, my daughter and I were driving around looking for a used car for her. She is in school at the University of West Florida and her car recently had a timing belt break which in turn ruined the engine. The car was old (Honda 1989 CRX) so we sold it for scrap and we were out looking for another older car. We drove by AAMCO on Main Street and I told Jessica “There's the place that stole my car” as we drove by. She said “I see it. It's parked in the back.” I couldn't believe it was there since I was told it was elsewhere.

We drove over to the car and found a note left by Detective Quirk. The note stated that the vehicle was unlawfully entered. A witness observed the suspect and called 911. Officers located and arrested the suspect but were unable to contact me. I was so upset. AAMCO had left my car unlocked-both doors. The car is keyless entry only. The back window was partially down and the back floorboard carpets were standing in about 2 inches of water.

My vehicle registration and insurance card were laying on the passenger seat. The glove box was destroyed and would not open. I'm not sure what all was taken since it has been so long since I have seen my car. I made a decision at that time to take my car back. I called a friend and he came and towed the car to his garage. He has since looked at the car. The transmission and all the mountings for the transmission are missing.

I was contacted (May 26) by the Gainesville police in reference to both the break in on Sunday and they also informed me that AAMCO had reported the car as stolen. I told them it was not stolen. She said that AAMCO stated they held title to my car. I said they do not hold title to my car, I hold the title to my car. Then she corrected herself and stated that AAMCO had filed for title to my car. It is my understanding of the law that AAMCO is attempting to obtain title to my car by illegal means.

Also, I would not disclose the location of my car to the Gainesville police because I feared that AAMCO would try to steal it. The police stated that this was a civil matter and they would not pursue it. I paid $30,000.00 for my 2003 Turbo Charged, fully loaded VW Beetle Convertible. For 5 years, I paid payments of $575 each month. I finally paid the car off on January 9, 2009 when I received my first paycheck in 6 months.

I got several quotes, selected the Lowest, and expected the repair shop to be honest in dealing with me. They have been everything but honest with me. Everything AAMCO has told me thus far has been a lie. I also find it very dishonest to refuse to provide me with a written quote despite how many times I asked. Yes, I finally got the quotes on Feb. 10, 2009, but by then it was too late, according to AAMCO. The work had been done.

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Aamco Transmissions Is a Horrible Terrible Place to Be Avoided at All Costs!

By Jeremy - 02/13/2010

ALBUQUERQUE NM, NEW MEXICO -- Terrible, awful, horrible place full of dishonest untrustworthy people to be avoided at all costs. The Aamco store located at 6629 Lomas Boulevard Northeast, Albuquerque NM Lomas Street in Albuquerque NM 87110 had my classic Ford with a four-speed manual for literally 3 months attempting to repair a leak in a recently rebuilt transmission which was installed at the Aamco store at 68680 Ramon Rd. in Cathedral City, Ca 92234.

Despite being given literally thousands of dollars to completely rebuild the transmission, clutch and U-joints, neither the Albuquerque store, nor the California store ever fixed the problem or took responsibility. When I first picked it up and took it home it did not take me long to notice it leaked about a quart a day. Then, after several week "repair", the car drove seven miles before blowing a front input shaft seal and dumping quarts of fluid into the clutch ruining it.

Then, after another few weeks, I was again told to come pick up my car. This time, I drove it for a few days and it now it occasionally engaged BOTH first AND reverse gear at the same time. So, again it went back to Aamco. They spent another two weeks trying to fix the sticking in gear problem, and told me to pick it up for the fourth time. At which point, during the test drive with the head technician named ** in the car with me, it had a new vibration so bad you wouldn't drive over 50mph on a dare.

The tech swore it was normal even though the car never did that before. When I complained, I was threatened by the staff and told to take my car home despite it not being repaired. So, I took it home. I had spent almost $3000.00 and now it is worse! So, I immediately reported the case to both BAR and NM attorney general. The Albuquerque NM Aamco store blamed the other California Aamco store and so forth, and the car never got fixed, and I never saw that money again.

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Poor Service on Transmission Rebuild

By Del - 08/25/2012

Rating: 1/51

BARRIE ONTARIO CANADA -- We recently had to have our transmission rebuilt due to a radiator failure in our 2003 Acura MDX. We picked up the SUV after a week and noticed that the "D" on the gear selector was flashing. We returned the SUV to Aamco and were told that it was a pressure sensor and that they did not have the special tool to install it. We went to Acura where they replaced the sensor, I asked the people at the service desk why it required a special tool and they looked at me kind of curiously and said it's no special tool only a regular wrench.

When I returned to Aamco they denied the whole thing and stated that the switch was not included in the rebuild of the transmission. I explained to them that this problem was not present when the transmission cooler burst. 5 months down the road we were on the highway and I was accelerating from an on ramp onto the highway when the transmission slipped out of gear. We returned the SUV to Aamco for repair. While we were there I took a technician out for a test drive and the fault occurred while we were out.

We returned to the shop and the technician and the manager were talking about it. We were told to bring the SUV back the next day . My partner brought it back the next day and the manager and her took it out for another drive. The problem did not occur with the SUV at that time and he stated I can't fix what is not broken. He stated that it could be driver error that was causing the problem.

1 month later we started to experience severe hesitation which felt like a clogged fuel filter so we returned the SUV to Acura. They took it out for a test drive and they called back and told us that they needed to tow the SUV back, that the transmission was dead. The SUV was towed back to Aamco where they took the transmission apart and found that a pump in the transmission was worn and they needed to order a new one. This particular part could not be found in the whole of North America! So it had to be ordered from Japan!!! Total wait time 3 weeks plus installation.

My complaint is that we had to rent a car and pay for it for a fault that arose from Aamco's poor workmanship. I can understand if I brought the SUV in the first time and it was being repaired. But since this was being done under Warranty I feel the onus is on Aamco to provide us with a rental until the SUV is repaired. I feel that this is very unprofessional of this company and I will never patronize this business again.

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Soldier Down

- 08/11/2012

Rating: 5/51

OLMYPIA, WASHINGTON -- On AUG 7 2012, I took my Ford F150 super crew triton 5.4 4x4 truck into Aamco for a transmission diagnosis, because I believed the trans was slipping. Any work needed for trans repairs would be covered under warranty. I was relieved to discover there was nothing wrong with my transmission or engine. The manager ** informed me that the real problem was I needed a tune up, their diagnosis of my power train came back positive, no problems at all. He informed me the issue was a needed tune up, and the cost for a full tune up. I immediately replied that I was unable to produce the funds needed, because of my recent family problems, debt and current situation.

I was under the impression my insurance would cover any damage that my trans was in. Tune up was the last thing on my mind. After informing ** that I was broke at the moment and that after a few months I would return with my truck and tune up money. He warned me about using shade tree part time mechanics, by telling me the risk of rookies pulling spark plugs and breaking them off into the engine. He told me that Aamco would give me a tune up and allow pay period, payments of anywhere between 20 to 30 bucks every 1st and 15th until paid in full. I accepted after he convinced me it was a great deal, the price quoted was very low compared to competitors.

While the mechanic was abstracting the spark plugs he broke one off. This was a major problem cause they were unable to remove the broken spark plug for three days. At first they were holding me responsible for something the Ford manufacturer made by attempting to charge me to pull my heads in order to abstract the broken plug. I was told that the cost was around $1000 or more for repairs. They said that they might have to pull my engine out to get the plugs out. After speaking to the manager a couple of times, who was very respectful and understanding, I was turned over to the owner who also was very understanding and respectful.

They decided that, base on the fact I was not properly informed of the risk involved, the fact that I am an active duty Soldier and due to my financial status, they would do the job completely free of charge. I must admit I was feeling really down about my recent run of bad luck. Aamco of Olympia, has shown with actions that they really do support the troops by taking care of my repairs. They even called me yesterday and said they wanted to keep my truck over the weekend for an additional two days to thoroughly go over my truck. The manager said he wanted to take extra precautions with preventive cleaning of the spark plug holes.

I am supposed to get my vehicle back in tip top shape on Monday Augusta 13, 2012 around 10:30 in the morning free of charge, according to the manager **. I will return with an update after receiving my beautiful black F150. My leaders are aware of my current situation, and are paying for a full inspection on my vehicle upon return to be sure all is well. My update will be following those results. I know this sounds too good to be true. If all goes as promised by Aamco in Olympia, this business will definitely be the best auto car care center I have ever dealt with. Thank you Aamco.

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Never Take Your Vehicle to AAMCO in Laurel, Maryland

- 05/13/2012

Rating: 1/51

LAUREL, MARYLAND -- On February 17, 2012, for safety I had my vehicle towed to Aamco. I contacted AAMCO via telephone (301) 776-5944, located at 20 Washington Blvd Laurel, Maryland 20707, Laurel, Maryland, that the vehicle would be towed because I believe the transmission was slipping. At this time my name, address and date of birth was requested by a representative, **.

Once vehicle arrived; 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor reached AAMCO, ** from AAMCO called, notified that they had received the vehicle and they would inspect vehicle to determine the problem and would call me on Monday February 20 because they had a backlog. He mentioned they would do diagnostic on the vehicle to determine what exactly the problem was.

Monday, February 20, ** notified that the transmission was gone and that it would cost $5,200 to rebuild the transmission. I stated that was entirely too high, why would I pay $5,200 for a rebuilt transmission when I could purchase a new transmission from the dealer for $3,900. I told him that this price was ridiculous and I would come to retrieve my vehicle. He then notified me that I would have to pay $795 to put the transmission back in my vehicle.

I was stunned because I never signed or gave authorization to have the transmission taken out of vehicle only to determine if the problem was the transmission. On Tuesday, February 21, a certified mechanic and I went to retrieve vehicle only to be told that the price to rebuild the vehicle was $6,200 (the price changed) and $795 was due.

The mechanic informed the shop that they didn't have to drop the transmission to determine if it was gone, they could have driven the vehicle or put on a machine and inform me that the transmission was gone and gave the cost. This was not done nor did I sign a contract. AAMCO is refusing to return my vehicle unless I pay them $795 to reinstall the transmission. At no point did I sign or authorize to have any work performed.

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Liars, Scam Artist, Ripoffs, False Advertisement

By Christina11612011 - 07/20/2011

I am very disappointed in the service that this "so called business" provided or did not provide in that matter. On July 2,2011 which was a Saturday I called this location to see if I can get an estimate or idea to see roughly how much a repair to a transmission would run. I spoke to **. He stated that he could not provide a price over the phone and that he would like for me to come in and bring the vehicle so he can see what the issue with the transmission is. We brought the car in on Tuesday July 6th at 8am like he asked. ** said that he would not charge us to look at the vehicle and he would give us a price the next business day.

The next business day we called and ** said he was would get back to us but he did not. We made several phone calls and got the runaround. On Friday when we called back we spoke to ** who claims to be the manager of the establishment. He stated that they didn't even look at the car because they were very backed up and the car wasn't even looked at. I was upset and ** assured us that the car would be done on Monday. On Monday we called and ** specifically said that the cost to do the work is no more than $2,500.00 and that they would call us when the car is completed to pick up.

A week passed by and we called on Monday July 18th to see the status of the vehicle then to find out that the car hasn't even been touch. At this point very frustrated I wanted to pick up the vehicle. ** apologized and said he would call us back with some news. ** called back and said the cost of the vehicle is $3,800.00. At this point I'm irate. Arguing back and forth with ** he asked ** what was the price he told me and he stated that he indeed say $2,500.00. ** tried arguing the fact that he didn't know why ** said that the price that price is incorrect (by the way ** is supposedly the owner).

At this point I didn't want to do the car. I said I will be there to pick it up. We got a song and a dance about we still have to pay $750.00 because they spent 12 Hours of labor. No work was done to the transmission and ** said it was FREE to look at the car. ** called several times today 7/20/2011 harassing me and pleading for us to do the car with them and that it's not smart to go anywhere else etc etc. He literally called 5 times to try to convince me to do the car.

When I put my foot down and refused he said and I quote: "Well, come pick up this damn car and you're not getting it without paying my $750.00” and hung up. I decided to write this so no one else goes through this again. I see many complaints about Aamco on various different sites and they need to be shut down. I will be taking them to court. I do appreciate the time you took to read this.

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Dishonest and Unreputable Mechanic Shop

By noemail4846 - 09/14/2013

Rating: 1/51

AUBURN, CALIFORNIA -- NEGATIVE 5 STARS!! They tried to tell my friend in addition to a new clutch (which he really did need) he also needed new master clutch and slave cylinders. The owner's wife and manager said it was because the parts were rusted. Really? Water causes rust, not hydraulic fluid. I asked to examine the parts which at first she balked at, then we were only shown the slave cylinder which worked perfectly fine (it's a simple hydraulic cylinder) and no rust. When this was pointed out, she told me I had to leave her shop because I was not the one who signed the work order.

Neither her nor the owner could provide a valid reason for either part needing replaced. They threatened to call the police if I would not quit talking although I was very professional and calm in both tone and demeanor. I had to remind them we have freedom of speech in the USA! The owners on the other hand are easily agitated and lack anything close to normal communication skills. They eventually offered to my friend they would reinstall his old master and slave cylinders at no charge if he paid for the clutch work.

For those not mechanically inclined, a hydraulic clutch could not operate at all if either of these parts were dysfunctional. The fact they plan to put them back indicates there was never a problem with them originally. On top of that they were going to charge $177 in labor just to replace these cylinders which anyone could do in their driveway in an hour.

They were definitely trying to take advantage of an old army veteran just because he lacked mechanical knowledge. They tried to increase the $630 clutch job to a $950 clutch job. Thieves of Baghdad they are!! I would have to agree with **, you would get better service and mechanical work by visiting a preschool. If you want a good mechanic see ** in Auburn next to the concrete statues (as I suggested to my friend).

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Screwed Up My Transmission N Convertible Converter

By Kanwal - 10/22/2012

Rating: 1/51

AUBURN, WASHINGTON -- I dropped my car off to rebuild my transmission and they kept it for 4 days. When I drop transmission was the only problem. So, I go after 4 days and I paid my bill and took it home. I notice my car was making weird noises in the transmission. I took it back the next day and they refused to help me and wanted me to come back on Monday. So, I took my car back on Monday and now they are telling me that I need a new convertible converter and will cost about $1000.

Well, when I dropped my car off, it had no problems with the converter. Now, I have to pay because they left it loose or screwed my converter. The transmission doesn't work right, making grinding noise I hardly go up the hill. Anyone please help me, I already paid over $3200 in rebuilt Tran.

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Aamco Libertyville Center- Avoid!!

By Mich - 07/21/2012

Rating: 1/51

LIBERTYVILLE, ILLINOIS -- Avoid, avoid, avoid!! Avoid this place at all cost. Here's my personal experience: Like everyone else, I brought my car in to fix the transmission thinking they're probably better than bringing the car to the dealer, since they're cheaper. Their online profile makes them look really big and reliable, but the truth is far from that! They're really out to suck as much money as they can.

My experience at the Libertyville center was horrible. ** the manager, is deceptive, dishonest and a total scammer. The first impression they give is: friendly, courteous. But all these are facades and lies to get you to agree to opening your car. Once they touch your car, it's almost impossible to stop the repair work. You just have to continue on after they touch your car once- that's how they con people's money. There's no return. Since you already spent that much on just opening your car (btw, no one charges $700 just to open the car for checks).

But ** did not get my permission to take apart my car but did so, claiming that my social security number is authorization to take apart my car. And demanded payment for disassembling my car before I can get my car back. On friday evening I wanted to get my car back but upon threatening to call the police, ** fled immediately, locking the place up. So I had to drive all the way back on saturday, wanting to settle the issue peacefully but just getting my car back without payment. He refused again.

Troubled, I called aamco headquarters and spoke to 2 of the corporate directors: ** and someone else. They sound exactly the same: fake, salesy, sleazy. I thought the directors would be more reasonable and help me in this case. But they weren't. In fact, they probably are the ones behind all the scamming. No way they'll ever help you to get money back ever! So I had no choice but to call the police. Thank god the police were so helpful and understanding. The 2 officers helped to finally get my car back after speaking to the boss over the phone.

Bottom-line: do not send your car to aamco, libertyville center. Do not give them your social security number. If you already sent your car to aamco, and regret doing that, don't be afraid to call up the police or threaten to sue them in court. You will probably win the case. I am pretty sure that other centers have many similar bad experiences to share. Just search on google, you'll find tons of negative reviews. It's just my luck that I sent my car there without prior research or investigation. I hope this doesn't happen to anyone else.

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AAMCO Should Just Be Ashamed

By Troy - 05/04/2012

Rating: 1/51

MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA -- If customer service and just plain being a decent business is what you expect, this is NOT your place. AAMCO Transmissions in Morgantown, WV. Our SUV was taken here for an unknown transmission issue (transmissions are what they specialize in?). They had our vehicle for a little over 4 weeks. We never once received a phone call with an update on our car. We had to call them and request information then wait for a return call from the mechanic. We were told the first step would be to drop the pan and check for shavings, there were none. Next the computer codes pointed to a solenoid so we were urged to change it.

This did not fix the issue so they requested we leave the vehicle with them so they could track down the issued and we would not be charged for their work because it was a training experience for the staff. Lol yea. Finally on one of my ever so pleasant calls for an update I was told, “Sir your vehicle is ready for pick-up.” Our mechanic has exhausted all of his options and we were unable to fix your car. I went to pick up my vehicle and to my surprise the bill was $ 593. I was charged for the parts and services that did not produce any results.

When management was confronted about this I was told the parts and services were done per your request (even though I can barely change my oil). We helped you out with the labor I can't eat the cost of those parts also. This to me was just outrageous. If they were honest from the beginning and said we are not sure this will fix the issue I would have taken my explorer to a ford garage. I was so mad I just agreed to pay the bill just so I could leave. As if all of this wasn't bad enough when my wife got in her car to start it, it would not turn over. I had to jump start her car in the parking lot of the garage that was supposed to fix our vehicle. What the hell?

Once the battery charged a little (perfectly fine battery by the way) she started the car. Once we had gotten home she said her accent LEDs in the floorboards were left on, the stereo (which is a nice aftermarket one) was on and up, and the driver's seat was leaning back extremely far. My assumption is an employee decided it would be a good place to take their break or lunch. This is all extremely pathetic and really a quite embarrassing way for a business to be run. DO NOT TAKE YOUR VEHICLES HERE!! Any input especially from a garage owner would be appreciated.